❎️
Cross Mark Button
krɔs mɑrk ˈbʌtn
Definitions
1
Interface · Negative Response
common
Indicates rejection, denial, or marking something as incorrect. Used to show that an option is not selected or that something is wrong.
Commonly used in digital interfaces, forms, and casual messaging to indicate a negative response.
Did you complete the assignment? ❎️ Not yet, still working on it.
Text message
Available options: ✅ Delivery ❎️ Pickup
Online ordering form
Often contrasted with ✅ (check mark) in binary choice situations. In Western cultures, X marks traditionally represent rejection.
2
Communication · Response
common
Used in surveys, polls, or questionnaires to indicate a negative response or to mark options that don't apply.
Often used in digital communication to create simple yes/no or true/false polls.
Going to the party tonight? Reply with ✅ or ❎️
Group chat
The visual distinction between ❎️ and ✅ makes them effective for quick binary responses in digital communication.
Evolution Timeline
2015
Gained popularity in social media polls and surveys as a visually distinct negative option.
Rise of informal polling in group chats and social media.
Cultural Context
The cross mark visually reinforces negative language in digital communication, often replacing words like 'no,' 'incorrect,' or 'false' with a single symbol.
Derived from user interface design, where X symbols traditionally close windows or cancel operations. The boxed version creates visual weight for better visibility.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
Sometimes used alongside 'X' as a kiss in British texting culture, though this usage is less common than the standard rejection meaning.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Used primarily in practical contexts like forms and planning rather than emotional expression.
Gen_Z: Frequently used in polls, quizzes, and interactive stories. Often paired with ✅ in binary choice situations.
Older: Less frequently used; may prefer written negative responses over symbolic communication.
Millennials: Commonly used in work contexts for task tracking and in group planning for indicating unavailability.
Common Combinations
❎️✅
Binary choice options, typically representing yes/no or correct/incorrect.
Commonly used in polls, surveys, and casual digital communication.
❎️🙅
Strong negative response or refusal.
Emphasizes rejection more forcefully than the cross mark alone.
❎️⚠️
Warning about something incorrect or that should be avoided.
Used in instructional contexts or to highlight errors.